REACH K-12 Curriculum

 
REACH  

K-12 Curriculum

Direct services are offered to our 3rd-7th graders. Formal identification begins during the fourth quarter for our 2nd graders and continues throughout 12th grade. A minimum of 150 minutes of direct services for our g/t students are scheduled weekly in block segments. Indirect services are also added to this design in the form of differentiation through compacting, independent learning contracts, tiered assignments and teacher team meetings. In addition, many schools have instituted a School wide Enrichment Model, SEM, to meet the needs of each campus at the elementary and middle school levels (K-5 and 6-7). Our SEM programs are designed to nurture talent development for all students, not just our identified g/t populations. Some of the SEM offerings include creative problem solving, Odyssey of the Mind, Quiz Bowl, Stock Market Game, creative writing, Speech Clubs, collaborative teaming, lunchtime book chats, curriculum extensions, ESOL enrichment as well as many others. 

WHOLE CLASS ENRICHMENT (Grades K-2):
Whole class enrichment activities/lessons are delivered weekly for kindergarten, first and second graders. These activities are literature based, STEM focused, and aligned to the K-2 grade level Common Core Standards, as well as Next Generation Science Standards. Each enrichment lesson consists of thirty minutes of direct contact with all K-2 students. Our kindergartners receive their enrichment curriculum based on g/t process skills, common core standards and Calvin Taylor's Talents Unlimited Behaviors. Our first grade enrichment curriculum was developed to address g/t process skills aligning the Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.  The second grade enrichment curriculum addresses critical, creative and logical thinking through a module approach.  Scientific Inquiry, STEM, and hands-on learning experiences are also included through whole class enrichment . At all three grade levels, the g/t facilitators and classroom teachers work cooperatively in the weekly delivery of the enrichment lessons. This design is not only utilized to accommodate the state guidelines, but assists us in our ongoing identification process. Behavioral Checklists and work samples are collected K-2 and reviewed as part of the Talent Pool during our spring screening for 2nd graders.

ELEMENTARY (Grades 3-5):

3rd: Community Development and Understanding 
Our third graders focus on - Community Development and Understanding.  This curriculum examines the local infrastructure; it's past and present, as students make predictions about the future. Classes study their community by comparing and contrasting it with a created community and design components of their existing community. Along  with recognizing how inventions have impacted our community, this curriculum also includes a study of Rube Goldberg, simple machines, and features an Invention Convention . Through this curriculum, our third graders begin the process of research. An additional study during the year is a community service project designed and implemented as a class. 

4th: Exploration
During fourth grade our student focus becomes scientific inquiry.  These students prepare to take a research expedition aboard an ocean schooner.  This curriculum has a strong emphasis on inquiry based learning and energy as the central concept in science.  Through oceanography, marine biology, cycles and systems, weather, and the use of navigational tools our students explore the tasks at hand through the "Voyage of the Mimi" and track the migration patterns of humpback whales. During the spring, the students will be challenged with designing a sea-worthy vessel that sails in the "4th Grade Regatta". In some classes, students also use GPS devices through a local geo-caching expedition. 

5th: Structures
The fifth grade study emphasizes the structure of patterns, from Fibonnacci sequences to M.C. Escher's impossible figures and tessellations. This curriculum focuses on the structure of the brain, the structure of the earth through geophysics and culminates in the investigation of how geometric principles are connected to different types of design and engineering through architectural structures.  Through force in motion, form and function through engineering, and bridge construction, our students will challenge these concepts during hands-on inquiry studies. A Structures Mini-Confernece will be held each year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (6th -7th):
6th: REACH Reading, Authentic Problem Solving
Our sixth grade students meet daily in their Reading class. This course covers the 6th grade Reading standards through differentiation. A focus on creativity problem solving and research skills are enhanced through the studies utilizing reading strategies, genres, forensics and criminology.  Problem solving is a critical skill necessary in the development of writing, researching, communicating, planning, and nurturing creativity for all students, especially gifted learners. In addition, students find relationships and patterns throughout time, as well as offering a differentiated framework that meets the needs of our gifted population. Students will use inductive and deductive reasoning skills to explore the world of forensics (scientific methodology).  

7th : REACH Reading, Global Studies Through Economics
The 7th grade REACH student receive their daily Reading curriculum while focusing on "Global Studies Through Economics".  The 7th grade curriculum integrates our g/t process skills with the 7th grade Reading curriculum. This year reflects the studies of economics, international relations, and interdependence. A highlight during this year will be an overnight trip to the Global Village in Perryville, AR.  The Global Village will give students an opportunity to experience some realities of life for most of our World neighbors.  Students will spend an evening in family groups that are given resources such as food, firewood, water and shelter. The students will also finance their own way to the Global Village. Through an entrepreneurial unit, students will create a business, sell their products/services at a Global Marketplace and earn additional tuition by home related services. Through this process, they will complete business plans, develop marketing strategies, keep financial records, and market their goods/services.  

7th and 8th:  Pre-AP English, Acceleration Math, Algebra I, Pre-AP Science , Pre-AP Social Studies, Foreign Language 
Along with REACH Reading for our 7th graders, our identified 7th and 8th grade students can also receive their services through Pre-Advanced Placement courses and advanced Math opportunities. These courses are part of the daily instruction. All Pre-AP teachers are current with their Pre-AP endorsement certification. In addition, the middle school REACH facilitators meet quarterly with 8th grade REACH students. 

At each campus, the middle school facilitators work with each team of content instructors to create and deliver curriculum options and strategies such as tiered assignments, compacting, and authentic problem solving. Middle school students also participate in the Competitive Edge program as part of their expectations for REACH. With this design, identified students (as well as all middle school students) have the opportunity to learn about and/or compete in activities and programs such as Governor's Quiz Bowl, Odyssey of the Mind, ThinkQuest, History Day, AR AIMS, Patriotic Essay Contest, Chess, Stock Market Game, various art and writing contests and many more opportunities to further develop their talents and interest areas.  In addition, 7th graders that qualify for Duke University, TIP have the opportunity to participate in that program.  

HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9th-12th): 
Senior high school opportunities for our 9th-12th grade identified students consist of Pre Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, and concurrent College courses. In addition, students that successfully complete their AP courses take the end of course College Board AP exams. These students receive weighted credit and scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on these exams receive college credit for the course (as defined by the college/university). 

Quiz Bowl and other partnerships for academic competition and excellence are also offered on the senior high campuses.